Even though Starwood's Virtual Aloft in Second Life isn't officially open for a few more weeks, we got a tip that it was possible to sneak in via a back door, and so, here are some of the first photos from the inside.

I don't spend anything like as much time in SL as our esteemed colleague, Gideon Television, but even from my passing experience I can tell this is an incredibly impressive build by Starwood and the folks at Electric Artists. The place just oozes sophistication and style. I had my doubts about whether or not this was a worthwhile exercise when I first heard about it - the American Apparel Store in SL still seems more like a PR exercise that a valid installation. But when you walk through the halls of the Virtual Aloft, you really get a sense of what this brand will be like, and it instantly became a "must visit" for me when I'm travelling. Many kudos to everyone involved - finally an SL build that has as much substance as it has panache.

Many more pictures after the jump.

Today on the veg...Keanu (whoa)

This small-town dame got a real kick out of reading the subway item on this morning’s Breakfast Links. You can look ahead and find out what to expect on your ride with The New York City Subway Smells Map. Each subway line is labeled with the predominant smell associated with it, including comments from those who submitted smells.
More maps, quizzes, and geography jokes today at Miss Cellania.

Every morning I wait for the bus for the daily commute into the city, where a cheerful Scottish lady always says hello. She's a working Mom, so we get to talking about kids, and soccer matches, and surburban life.

She also happens to be one of the team behind Shock magazine, who this month are featuring some sensitive photos of dogs being beaten to death, plus a charming pictorial of a man who had his arm attached to his penis.

I think my town is the kind that David Lynch often features in his movies.

You may open up your blue books and begin. You have one hour. Oh, and you may want some of these.

5) I like these calculators. They look good, and they're big. Good for bloggers with failing eyesight.
4) Crumpler makes great messenger bags, They also have an annual beer for bags event. A win-win.
3) For the kid whose sense of style is as defined as their sense of the ironic. A pencils pencil cup.
2) Remember those glow stickers that turned any ceiling into a planetarium? This is an improvement.
1) And the hydrogen fuel cell-powered H-racer teaches children one of the most important lessons of all.

- First up, the Daily Show take on the two sides of Bill Clinton at the Fox Chris Wallace interview.
- Want to get to know a New Yorker? Ask them about the subway. These comments are priceless.
- Hmmm...a site with every single Simpsons episode from start to finish. That won't be up long.
- What does it take for a teenage bodybuilder to call his mommy? Turns out, not much at all, really.
- And if you missed U2 and Green Day opening at last night's game, here's some of the rehearsal.